Recently, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has formally filed criminal charges in court regarding the major collision between the oil tankers “Hafnia Nile” and “Ceres I” in 2024, which resulted in one fatality and one injury. The two crew members involved, from India and Sri Lanka, served as the duty officer and lookout on the “Hafnia Nile” at the time. If convicted, they could face up to two years in prison and fines equivalent to approximately $39,000.
The accident occurred on July 19, 2024, when the oil-laden “Hafnia Nile” (69,999 deadweight tons) was navigating along Singapore’s shipping lane and collided with the anchored “Ceres I” about 35 nautical miles northeast of Pedra Branca. Reports indicate that the “Ceres I,” suspected to be part of a “shadow fleet” tanker, was in ballast at the time. The violent impact caused severe damage to the “Hafnia Nile,” sparking a fire that spread to both vessels. Following the incident, all crew members on the “Hafnia Nile” were evacuated, while one crew member on the “Ceres I” tragically died, and another sustained serious injuries.
The “Ceres I” drew widespread attention after the accident. The tanker, flagged under São Tomé and Príncipe, was suspected of being a “shadow vessel” evading regulatory sanctions. Malaysian authorities initially accused the ship of attempting to flee but later revised their statement, suggesting it may have been drifting as the fire spread. The vessel was subsequently seized and towed to port.
The “Hafnia Nile,” registered in Singapore, became the subject of an MPA-led investigation. According to court documents released by Singapore’s State Courts, the MPA determined that the vessel failed to maintain proper lookout and situational awareness at sea, leading to the collision.
The charged Sri Lankan duty officer, 40-year-old Wickramage Viraj Amila Shavinda Perera, is accused of failing to fully assess navigational risks and ensure an adequate lookout. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Indian lookout, Soosai Anthony Vainer, is charged with failing to report the approaching “Ceres I” in time and taking unauthorized helm actions without the duty officer’s instructions, violating lookout duties.
Hafnia, the shipowner involved, confirmed to the media that the two crew members recently appeared in court and are receiving legal support from the company. The company stated it is “fully cooperating with the MPA and relevant authorities, respecting the progress and conclusions of the legal process,” but declined further comment while the investigation remains ongoing.
Reports indicate that the “Hafnia Nile,” built in 2017, has undergone salvage and cargo discharge operations since the accident but has yet to resume operations. The vessel has since been renamed “Hafnia Shannon.”
Hearings for the case have been scheduled, with the lookout appearing in court on July 23 and the duty officer facing trial on July 30. If convicted, both could face up to two years in prison and fines nearing $40,000.
